Full Breakdown
Los Angeles Podcaster Charged with Threatening President Trump
9/6/2026, 11:38:01 PM
Core Event
In early September, Benjamin Azariah Southworth, 40, a resident of Los Angeles’ Westlake neighborhood, was arrested after a federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment. The indictment accuses him of one count of threatening to kill President Donald Trump, one count of cyberstalking, and one count of harassing telephone calls in interstate communications. The alleged conduct spanned from January through May of this year, including an Instagram video posted on April 7 that called for Trump’s execution. Southworth pleaded not guilty at his arraignment, and a trial has been scheduled for October 26.
Background & Context
Southworth previously hosted the “Yass, Jesus!” podcast and was a presenter on the youth-focused television show The Remix, which featured Christian music artists. He publicly came out as gay in 2008, left the evangelical church, and later advocated for ending conversion-therapy practices. In January 2025, he posted TikTok videos accusing Michael Tait of the Newsboys of being gay, a claim that sparked further allegations against the musician. On May 20, Southworth texted a journalist with a copy of a search warrant and photos of agents outside his home, asserting that his online criticism of the Sekulow family—lawyers for President Trump—had prompted the raid.
Official Statements & Responses
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli reiterated that threats against the President are federal crimes and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent. A spokesperson for the White House condemned political violence and urged individuals who exhibit “Trump Derangement Syndrome” to seek psychiatric help. Special Agent in Charge Armando Marquez of the U.S. Secret Service emphasized the agency’s zero-tolerance policy for threats against the president.
Data & Statistics
- Charges: 1 count of threatening the president, 1 count of cyberstalking, 1 count of harassing telephone calls.
- Timeline of alleged conduct: January – May 2024.
- Key public threats: Instagram video on April 7; TikTok post listing the personal address of Trump’s former lawyer.
- Legal timeline: Arrest in early September; trial set for October 26.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We will hold perpetrators of violent threats accountable, and anyone who makes these threats online will not be allowed to hide behind their screens,” — General Todd Blanche, attorney “We will hold perpetrators of violent threats accountable, and anyone who makes these threats online will not be allowed to hide behind their screens,” — General Todd Blanche, attorney
- “They should also immediately seek psychiatric help to treat their severe and debilitating case of Trump Derangement Syndrome that has warped their brains and made them sick in the head,” — Davis Ingle, White House spokesperson “They should also immediately seek psychiatric help to treat their severe and debilitating case of Trump Derangement Syndrome that has warped their brains and made them sick in the head,” — Davis Ingle
- “The U.S. Secret Service has zero tolerance for threats against the President of the United States,” — Armando Marquez, Special Agent in Charge, Los Angeles Field Office “The U.S. Secret Service has zero tolerance for threats against the President of the United States,” — Armando Marquez
